IT was yet another promising outing for Hamilton’s Dominic Hoggard, returning from the Victorian Age Championships with five medals earlier this month.

It was the second consecutive year Hoggard has medalled at the event at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, competing in the 12-18-year-old Boys section.

The 16-year-old had a busy schedule, swimming heats and finals across four different days.

“I swam the Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday,” he said.

“My first silver was for the 100m butterfly, then I swam again on Monday and got a bronze in the 200m freestyle, followed by the 50m backstroke, which I finished fourth or fifth in.

“Tuesday was the 50m freestyle and I finished third, then Wednesday was the 100m freestyle and 50m butterfly – I was really nervous for both, because I wanted to do really well in those.

“I ended up medalling in both; second in the 50m fly third in the 100 free.”

Hoggard was happy with his performance, with his progression and improvement over the last 12 months leading to the 16-year-old setting new personal best times in each of the events.”

“Last year I got I think it was two firsts and three seconds,” he said.

“I have been training everyday except Thursdays.

“Two mornings and the rest after schools, and this was the first competition back in a few months.”

Not only did he return with medals, but the Hamilton Olympic Swimming Club member also beat the nationals qualifying time, with Hoggard set to test himself at the next level in April on the Gold Coast.

“I am pretty sure I am doing all the same events, so trying to break all my PBs again is the goal,” Hoggard said.

“I made it into the Victorian team this year, and I was supposed to go to Sydney two months ago, but then I got sick.

“So hopefully next year I can get into the Victorian team and that can be a pathway into the Australian team.”

Hoggard enjoys freestyle the most, then butterfly, with the water helping him channel his energy and focus, whenever he is competing or training.

“I get really nervous, then once I hit the water, I know what I need to do and I just switch into gear,” he said.

“I would like to thank my coaches, Richard and Sarah, and the committee as well.”

Hoggard wasn’t the only club member in action, with Zoe Rouse, Imogen Wedding and Hayley Jellie also taking to the pool at the championships.

The trio competed in the 50 Freestyle in their respective age groups, swimming well and enjoying the experience.

To qualify for the state times is a great achievement in itself, so the girls should be proud of their achievements.

Jellie swam under 30 seconds again, setting a new PB and finishing 26th, while Rouse also swam a PB, and Wedding impressed, getting close to her personal best time as well.